The
pick of the locks
During the past 3 years UAP have increased their product range and currently
import in the region of 50,000 cylinder locks each month and their products
are fast becoming recognised as some of the highest quality available
in the UK.
David Clegg, of UAP explains, "We specialise in the import of high
quality products and have joined forces with Gordon Higgins of Ultra Buying
Agents, to bring to the UK market products at affordable costs but of
an exceptionally high quality.
"We were concerned about importing security locks into the UK having
heard many stories of consumers being locked out of their premises etc;
due to poor quality cylinders. We therefore ensured that our range of
cylinders would be totally reliable and secure. I am delighted to say
that we experience less than 1 in 25,000 rejects, which certainly proves
their quality."
The
UAP range consists of 3 main types of cylinder locks. The budget cylinder,
is the five pin no anti drill range, which meet the requirements of BS1303
Grade 3. The standard product, the six pin anti drill product complies
with BS 1303 Grade 4, which is the standard set for Secure by Design.
Finally the flag ship product is a high security product which is currently
under
test to achieve BS 1303 Grade 5.
David continues, "When people buy a cylinder lock the first thing
they want is something that is reliable. We can prove that our range is
probably the most reliable in the UK with data to back up the claim.
"Next they want a lock that contains all the best safety features.
Our six-pin range comes with hardened steel anti drill pins at both ends
as standard. However when looking at the anti drill feature of any cylinder
the buyer must ask the question, does the anti drill pin protect all of
the front section of the cylinder?
"This may sound a silly question to ask but in safety terms it is
one of the most important of all. Due to cost considerations many companies
produce a shallow 10mm anti drill pin which protects only the bottom 10mm
of the cylinder, leaving a gap between the top of the pin and the key
plug of about 5mm.
"This is a large area for any intruder to gain access using a 4 or
even 5mm drill bit. Our anti drill pins are 14mm long and protect the
entire cylinder right up to the plug area. We believe that our feature
is one of the securest on the market. Furthermore, on our high security
product we use twin anti drill pins at each end and twin anti drill pins
in the plug, making eight
pins in all.
"UAP cylinder locks are set with a standard cam of 30 degrees, whereas
many manufacturers use a zero degree cam. Setting the cam at 30 degrees
prevents the possibility of the cylinder being pulled out of the lock
with a slide hammer for example. For added security the cam is of hardened
steel.
Web: www.universal-imports.com
E-Mail: univ.imports@ukonline.co.uk
JRS
WINDOW SYSTEMS JOINS PREMIER NETWORK
Trade fabricator JRS Window Systems Northern Limited has joined the select
network of fabricators manufacturing the fully sculptured Victorian 70mm
window and door system from leading PVCu extrusion specialist, Premier
Profiles.
JRS Northern is a division of the Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire based
JRS Group, which supplies windows, doors and conservatories to trade customers
throughout the UK. JRS has opened a new factory on the outskirts of York,
dedicated to fabricating the Victorian system, and has made a significant
investment in state of the art tooling and machinery and staff resource.
Premier Profiles' Victorian 70mm window and door system is an attractive
suite for both domestic and commercial applications and is available only
through selected fabricators. The system features an attractive Victorian
Ovolo shape to all frame bevels and beads, full internal glazing, dual
weather seals with low-sight line gaskets to ensure excellent performance
in all situations, and a suite of trims for the perfect finish. The system
is available in white and all standard woodgrain finishes and facilitates
a wide range of glass designs, whilst all profile sections are supplied
with post co-extruded gaskets, significantly reducing fabrication and
installation time.
JRS Group managing director John Stacey commented: ìAlthough the
JRS Group is less than three years old, it has grown rapidly through our
undertaking to provide trade installers with top quality products at competitive
prices, supported by dedication to customer service. Our investment in
the new facility, and commitment to fabricating the superior quality Victorian
system, will increase the groupís production capacity to in the
region of 1,500 frames per week - 'up to half of those at the 15,000 sq
ft York facility - and support our ongoing aim of further expansion over
coming months.'
For more information on JRS Window Systems Northern Limited, call 01904
737157, or group head office on 01777 711999. For more information on
Premier Profiles call 01302 311200.
UK
Door Panel Network now has over 120 members
The UK Door Panel Network (UKDPN) now has over 120 members throughout
the UK, and the number is growing as more and more companies decide to
make their own Panels and benefit from control over their product quality.
David
Jennings of UKDPN says, "Many people are surprised at just how good
the quality of the panels are that can be made locally. In fact we believe
that our panels are about the best in the UK.
"Our skins are from Palram and offer a Class 1 Fire Rating, whilst
offering Premier Panels in the UK 8 different shades of white. Our woodgrain
is COMPAX, which ensures an anti bow anti crack customer benefit.
"All our members use the best adhesives and tapes available in the
market. Our attention to detail is second to none and we encourage our
members to maintain the highest quality level. For example, how many companies
produce step by step guides for the use of tapes in order to get the best
results for the panel? We do.
"Furthermore in a recent customer survey we found that our members
experience very few returns and very high repeat business which goes to
support our claim as having one of the best panel products in the UK today.
"Members are able to offer their own customers a huge range of glass
choice from Traditional Stains to new ART Stain from Glass Bevels to Resin
Bevels. But the UKDPN does not simply sit back and rest on its laurels,
it innovates pushing forward the boundaries on an on-going basis."
The network believes that its product quality is amongst the best in the
UK and now the group is looking at ways they can help their members to
help their own customers sell more panels. To this end the Network has
commissioned bespoke software due to be launched in August 2002.
Web: www.ukdoorpanelnetwork.co.uk
Direct
Labour Organisations
With some 5.3 million dwellings currently in Public Ownership by Local
Authorities and Housing Associations, Windowbase announce another service
that identifies key decision makers. Now over 400 buying contacts in 255
organisations are available on Windowbase’s new database – Direct
Labour Organisations.
The new database provides contact data on those responsible for purchasing
materials and supplies for the maintenance of the dwellings.
“Designed for anyone offering products in the Public Sector Housing
Market, the DLO database is complementary to our Public Sector Housing
Specifiers’ database”, says Mike Davis. “The Specifier
information gives details of 767 organisations listing 1427 individuals
who choose the materials to be used, whereas the DLO database identifies
those in-house personnel who are placing orders. Some Authorities delegate
the purchasing power down to the Neighbourhood Maintenance Offices. We
have endeavoured to identify these, as well as the central purchasing
departments.”
Such departments are not always called “DLOs”; they may be “Direct
Services Organisations”, “Neighbourhood Property Office”
or just plain “Maintenance Department”. Wherever possible Windowbase
have obtained the department name so that, even if the contact has moved
on, the right department may be identified.
The new DLO database can be linked (using appropriate software) to the
Specifiers database, so that users can build up a comprehensive approach
to offering their products to the right person at the right time.
The price? £360 for a minimum of a year’s licence, or sets
of mailing labels to all 400 named individuals are available for £180.
Reductions are available to users of the Specifiers data.
Ask now for Data Sheet 7 – for the DLO database, or Data Sheet 4
for details of Housing Specifiers or download details of either direct
from the website - www.winbase.co.uk
Glass
Training Highlights
Self-Employment Warning
Caution is certainly needed when agreeing contracts with self-employed
workers, because the Inland Revenue is cracking down on those claiming
to be self-employed, but appear to be working on a full-time basis for
only one firm. Peter Hollis, president of the Sheffield & District
Society of Chartered Accountants, warns: 'The Inland Revenue is now taking
very firm action where it deems that employees are not self-employed,
and this can have serious implications for companies affected...'
For further information speak to your accountant or telephone the Inland
Revenue Enquiry Centre on 0114 296 9696.
Banks Keep Culling
Despite claiming to have discontinued with mass closure programmes, many
of the major banks culled more than 150 branches last year in a low-profile
branch-by-branch approach. The British Bankers' Association reveals that
Barclays closed 35 branches, Bradford & Bingley closed 11 branches,
Halifax shut down 22 branches, HSBC called time on 19 and customers with
Lloyds TSB waved goodbye to 74 branches.
Manufacturing Skills At Risk
Britain's manufacturing firms are shedding jobs at the fastest rate for
nine years, reports the Confederation for British Industry (CBI). Commenting
on the government's latest unemployment and earnings data, the CBI's chief
economic adviser Ian McCafferty says: 'It is encouraging that overall
jobs are still being created without putting any undue pressure on pay
inflation, but the further fall in manufacturing jobs is a matter of serious
concernwith skills being lost, possibly never to return...'
Web: http://www.cbi.org.uk
Glass Training's Conference
The Biennial Conference is an established event for the UK's glass industry.
It provides the chance to hear how key thinkers and business leaders are
developing their business and manufacturing techniques to meet tomorrow's
demands.The Conference will take place on October 2nd and 3rd.
Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
to book places. Joe Fearnehough from the TUC, David Combie from the SSDA
and Steve Gange from Pilkington UK Ltd are some of the speakers.
The event will be held at Daresbury Park Hotel in Warrington Cheshire
http://www.devereonline.co.uk/jdevere.htm?main_location.htm
and click on Daresbury Park.
Understanding
Glass
Do you want your employees to have a better understanding of glass? Our
Glass Manufacture Open Learning Course is perfect for busy people who
need to study at their own pace.
Contact mailto:elaine@glass-training.co.uk
Aluspan
Launches 10-Day Turnaround Service
British manufacturer Aluspan, has launched a 10-day order turnaround for
its range of bespoke aluminium structures.
Formed
from precision extruded aluminium to BS 1474 with 304 grade stainless
steel connection fittings, Aluspan has been launched to provide the glazing
industry with a solution for medium to large-span structural needs.
Designed and fabricated in-house at Aluspan's new purpose-built 38,000
sq ft factory and headquarters in South Wales, complete structures can
be supplied in just 10-days from initial order for standard range structures.
Aluspan structures can be fully powder-coated in a wide range of architectural
colours to meet aesthetic finish requirements.
Aluspan is also establishing in-house training facilities, providing glazing
industry operators with full instruction on the site installation of Aluspan
structures.
Launching
the new system, Nathan Churchward (pictured right), Managing Director
of Aluspan parent the M&N Group said:
'Aluspan has grown out of our fifteen years experience within the construction
field. We have recognised the need for a complete design and fabrication
service augmented by an accelerated approach to order fulfilment.
'Our large stockholding enables us to provide rapid supply of completed
structures. We have invested heavily in the latest computer-aided design
and fabrication equipment and our team of in-house structural engineers
ensures we can provide clients with a full service from concept to completed
structure, in-house.'
Initially marketed within the Group's 'Gower' brand of bespoke swimming
pool enclosures, Aluspan has grown into a division in its own right, graduating
into its own factory in the Spring of 2002.
Gower was launched to introduce lightweight aluminium cored pool enclosures
with the advantages of lightweight aluminium core compared to traditional
steel units.
Aluspan products are aimed at a wide range of applications including recreation
developments, commercial glazed extensions, retail and leisure projects
as well as pool enclosures.
Tel: 01495 313 700
Web: http://www.mngroup.co.uk
Scotplas
in Hamburg
Following another record year, in which two new branches were opened,
Scotplas - the PVCu Merchant of Building Products to the window, roofline
and construction industry, rewarded six Branch Managers and two Regional
Managers with an all expenses paid trip to Hamburg.
A competition had been run for the last quarter of the financial year
and the winners were the branches that most exceeded their sales targets.
The lucky winners flew out on a Friday morning, spent two days at the
SAS Radisson Hotel in the centre of the city, explored all the sights
and attractions, before returning to the UK on Sunday, thoroughly exhausted
but relaxed.
Contact: Emma Dunn
Tel: 0161 475 5760,
Email: mailto:emma.d@scotplas.co.uk
BBA
Certificates
The BBA have released this months list of certificates added between 6th
May and 24th June.
02/3893 POLYGAL POLYCARBONATE STRUCTURED SHEETING
Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting for use as roof glazing materials in
domestic, industrial and commercial installations in Tp(a) classifications.
02/3904 SWIFT FRAME PVC-U WINDOW - McMullan & O'Donnell Ltd
Detail Sheet covers: (3) Ed 1, Swift Frame Outward Opening.
02/3914 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Newlook Replacement Windows Ltd
Detail Sheets cover: (5) Ed 1, S706 Tilt and Turn, and (6) Ed 1, S706
Outward Opening.
02/3918 PLASTMO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - All-In-One Windows Ltd
Detail Sheet covers: (4) Ed 3, Index Outward Opening.
02/3926 PLASTMO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Quantum Windows
Detail Sheet covers: (4) Ed 3, Index Outward Opening.
02/3931 PREMIER PROFILES PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Trade Fabrications Ltd
Detail Sheet covers: (3) Ed 1, Premier Concept 60 Outward Opening..
02/3935 VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Bonnyview Conservatories & Windows
Ltd
Detail Sheets cover: (5) Ed 1, Matrix Tilt and Turn, and (6) Ed 1, Matrix
Outward Opening Systems.
Amendments to existing Certificates
02/3909 Second issue SLIMLINE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Jeld-Wen (UK) Ltd,
Plastics Division
Detail Sheet covers: (2) Ed 2, Slimline Outward Opening System.
91/2625 Fourth issue MUSTANG GUTTER AND ACCESSORIES
Aluminium gutter lengths available in one shape, corners, stop ends, fixing
brackets, expansion joints and outlets/leaf guards.
91/2693 Fourth issue BRITISH HOME DOORS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Home Doors
(GB) Ltd
Detail Sheet covers: (2) Ed 4, Outward Opening System.
94/3028 Second issue SPECTRUM 4 POLYESTER POWDER COATING
Electrostatically applied coating system for aluminium window frames and
roofing or cladding panels.
Understand
Whole Life Values say's New Guild President
Speaking at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers Annual Conference in
Torquay (Friday 24th May), Graham Shirville the newly elected President
said that the market for members was still patchy with far too many regional
differences.
'Certainly in London and the South East region it is becoming clear that
commercial
development has now peaked and the only silver lining appears to be PFI
project work', he said.
'Here we have two problems. Firstly, it is confidently predicted that
the Government and Local Authority spending targets for this work will
not be met i.e. there will be a large underspend.
Therefore the market will not be as big as we had been led to expect.
Secondly, it seems that many of the Consortia do not yet understand that
capital costs are much less than the probable drain on the maintenance
costs over the 25 year project period, which will result when poor quality
products are used. Too many buyers appear to be unaware of the difference
in their responsibilities now they are no longer just doing 'Design and
Build' projects.'
Continuing, he said, 'At the moment we do not get involved early enough
in Building projects as part of an integrated project management team.
We need to be part of the construction team at the outset and enable our
clients to understand the difference between unit price and whole life
values of our products. Many buildings are three quarters built before
the suppliers of doors and hardware have been selected.'
Pointing out that future opportunities for the industry would be CE marking
of certain fire/life safety products and the Disability Discrimination
Act he went on to add, 'To survive we have to add value, reduce costs,
time and risk, improve quality and be excellent in all that we do.'
Tel: 020 77903431
Email: mailto:info@gai.org.uk
Web: http://www.gai.org.uk
Eurocell
Profiles on the Telly
Recently Eurocell Profiles of Alfreton Derbyshire were the subject of
a BBC Television Feature. With many businesses in the local area suffering,
most notably Rolls Royce in Derby and Raleigh Bikes in Nottingham, Eurocell
seem to be bucking the trend. The aforementioned companies have suffered
over 6000 job losses between them, with many parts of the region suffering
the same fate, particularly within the manufacturing sector.
The
company which started over 30 years ago in a small unit on the outskirts
of Derby is now a multi million pound enterprise comprising of two separate
business areas, Building Plastics and Window Systems. Eurocell is providing
a depressed local economy with a number of jobs. Directly as a result
of considerable expansion - manufacturing opportunities & trade centre
employment as well as indirectly through the commissioning of new premises,
the latest being Cheeseborough Ponds, a £6million distribution centre.
Eurocell is now a leading local employer with close to 750 staff on its
payroll.
The investment from parent company Tessenderlo - a raw materials supplier
based in Belgium, has been instrumental in driving the company forward.
Tessenderlo have provided the backing for considerable investment in tooling
and the development of new products, particularly The Pinnacle Conservatory
Roof and The Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing System - where a number of new
jobs have been created.
The shoot lasted the majority of the day with the BBC taking a great deal
of interest in a local manufacturing company doing extremely well. Of
course due to the increased profile of the company in and around the local
area, Eurocell has been inundated with local people seeking employment.
'Some have been taken on, and the rate, which we are growing it, won't
be long before they are all employed.' says the company.
Contact Neil Riley
Tel: 01773 842100
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Flying
the Flag for Global Business
A picturesque Warwickshire setting provided the backdrop for a series
of internal seminars for hardware and ventilation solutions provider,
Siegenia-Frank (UK) Ltd this month.
The three-day seminar programme in Leamington Spa brought together the
management teams from the company's seven global subsidiaries and worldwide
sales offices. The aim of the programme was to share best practice and
discuss issues affecting the glazing and ventilation industries across
Europe with a view to taking the business forward.
Representatives from countries including the Netherlands, Austria, Poland,
Russia, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, gathered at Warwick Castle for an
evening reception following a series of presentations and workshops organised
by Siegenia.
General manager Leann Hearne heads Coventry-based Siegenia-Frank UK Ltd.
She says, 'Whilst there are differences in the hardware and ventilation
markets across Europe there are still many areas in which we can share
information and best practice in order to grow and develop as a business.
Initial feedback from those involved suggests that the discussions generated
a broader understanding of Siegenia throughout Europe as well as ideas
for ongoing product and service improvements throughout the organisation
as a whole.'
Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:post@siegenia.de
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
BWF
Timber Windows lncreasingly the Choice of Specifiers
The greatest impact of the British Woodworking Federation's (BWF) Timber
Window Accreditation Scheme during the past two years has been has been
to convince more and more specifiers of the benefits of fully factory
finished and glazed timber windows.
Research commissioned by the BWF found in 2001 that barely 25% of those
looking to use timber windows would choose fully factory finished windows,
whilst this year's BWF survey revealed that figure had leapt to 74%. At
the same time, 72% would be prepared to pay between 10% and 20% more for
a BWF Accredited Timber Window this year, compared with 57% last year.
The research was based on a sample of architects, surveyors, building
control officers, local authorities, housing associations and housebuiiders
who had previously enquired about BWF Accredited Timber Windows.
The introduction of Part L has also had a slight effect on the swing towards
factory finishing as on-site glazing was not considered ideal in view
of the demands of the new regulations.
Maintenance costs are also on the wane as a cause for concern, with 47%
of those currently specifying or buying windows realising that BWF Accredited
Timber Windows are as easily maintained as those made from other materials.
'Specifiers are increasingly accepting the argument that as long as they
can see the BWF label, timber windows in the 21st Century do not have
a maintenance problem,' said BWF Director Richard Lambert.
'The fact that such a high proportion are buying timber indicates that
their clients also recognise the benefits of BWF Accredited Timber Windows.
Now that specifiers and contractors see the value in terms of long-term
cost savings and building life costs, we have a huge body of opinion in
favour of timber.'
Architects and housing associations are rapidly being won over, and housebuilders
are now coming on board with timber windows for their up-market properties,
but the BWF will continue to press the benefits of Accredited Timber Windows.
'Some housebuilders and Local Authorities still prefer plastic windows
for the their 'less expensive' properties.' said Richard Lambert, 'Traditionally,
both these groups have been slow to change, so we have to convince them
of the overwhelming benefits of using timber. Public demand is one way
of doing it, and sheer weight of evidence is the other, but we are aware
it takes time. We will continue to present the case for BWF Accredited
Timber Windows.
As an opinion trend monitor the survey results showed ovewhelming progress
in timber's fight to regain market share, although the research results
deliberately didn't shy away from those aspects of market opinion that
still need further efforts to make a greater impact.
The most striking turnaround was that there was a blanket 100% agreement
that BWF Accredited Timber Windows are at least as good as the very best
windows made from other materials in terms of the effect on the environment,
colour choice, design choice, energy saving, glazing, installation and
availability.
Whilst durability (up from 40% to 72%), weather resistance (up from 80%
to 83%), maintenance (up from 32% to 70%) and security (up from 70% to
80%) all scored higher than in previous years, the BWF sees them as key
areas to target in its future promotional and educational campaigns.
'They are all vital to the credibility of timber as the best window material,'
said Richard Lambert. 'The evidence is that BWF Accredited Timber Windows
are making significant impact, but we will continue to persevere!'
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:bwf@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
WRAP announces Capital Grant competition to boost glass reprocessing capacity
WRAP
– the Waste and Resources Action Programme has announced a capital
grant competition which will boost glass reprocessing capacity in the
UK and will lead to an increase of between 80 and 160,000 tonnes of post
consumer glass used in high value applications.
The competition is specifically targeted at infrastructure in the UK to
increase the capacity for producing fine glass powder with a particle
size below 90 microns. Several projects underway in WRAP’s R&D
funding programme are investigating the use of the glass powder material
in different industrial applications, including as a fluxing agent in
clay brick manufacture and sanitary ware production and as an additive
in cement.
If successful, the high value markets for the material could prove to
be substantial for example, total UK annual clay consumption in brick
production is 7 million tonnes and 10-15% of clay could be replaced by
glass powder flux. Similarly, 12.6 million tonnes of cement were produced
in the UK in 2000 and even at a 1% incorporation level, a glass powder
demand of 126,000 tonnes would be generated.
The research projects are all showing positive results but will require
a stable supply of material in order to convince industry to change their
production processes. The competition is intended to support infrastructure
to produce up to 160,000 tonnes of fine glass powder from at least 2 facilities.
The new facilities will become operational by March 2004.
Jennie Price, WRAP’s Chief Executive said ‘Working on both the
supply and demand side of this application will enable WRAP to be the
catalyst needed to create a stable market for this recycled material.’
Andy Dawe, Material Sector Manager for Glass added ‘High value applications
for recycled materials are absolutely fundamental to making recycling
economically sustainable in the UK. By specifying it a Key Condition of
the project, we will ensure that glass is not taken away from the container
industry in order to meet this demand.’
From Friday 19th July 2002, the pre-qualification document will be available
from the WRAP website www.wrap.org.uk
£94,000 Smart Award for a smart thinker
Millenco Hardware, one of the UK’s most innovative manufacturers of high security locking Systems, has been awarded the largest Smart Award ever to be presented outside the automotive industry. The maximum grant available of £94,000 was awarded by sponsors, the Department of Trade & Industry, in recognition of Millenco's endeavours in the assessment of risk in new product development.
Pictured: (Left row top to bottom) Tom Forbes,
Millenco manufacturing consultant; Peter Hunt, M illenco financial director;
Sandra Harding, Black Country Chamber & Business Link service adviser
team manager. (Right row top to bottom) Mark Bromley, managing director
Millenco Hardware; Peter Moore, Smart specialist adviser; Nigel Ridgeway,
Millenco technical director.
The
£94,000 will enable Millenco to continue researching and preparing
for the commercial and technical risks inherent in its current and pending
product development projects prior to committing significant funds to
tooling. All objectives will be precisely measurable in terms of technical
achievements, leading to a range of products that have proven performance
criteria, rather than simply perceived.
"By merely applying for the Smart Award we had to focus on what it
was we really wanted to achieve, and what constraints and opportunities
we were working with," said Millenco's managing director Mark Bromley.
"To have been awarded the maximum grant available was not only an
enormous financial benefit, but also a significant coup for a small company
such as Millenco".
The SmartAward funds neither the tooling, nor the purchase of capital
equipment, nor job creation. Rather the money is precisely targeted at
the evaluation of the element of risk prior to embarking on a significant
project.
"All too often manufacturers are guilty of taking short cuts during
the product development process," continued Mark. "Pressure
from finance and commerdal departments to meet deadlines, along with over-enthusiasm
from sales and marketing, can have a detrimental affect on the quality
and performance of new products. Enormous amounts of money are squandered
in the attempt to cover up the short comings in many new products due
to the fact that a comprehensive risk assessment failed to take place.
The removal of products from the market place is often the costly consequence."
In addition to supplying financial support, the rigorous on-going assessment
procedure undertaken by government officials ensures that outlined objectives
are constantly met for the duration of the project, giving attention to
details at all times. This meant that a disciplined approach is maintained
for the duration of the entire project by the entire development team.
When pressured, Mark Bromley remains tight-lipped about the nature of
the details relating to the Smart Award project. The overall impression
though is that its launch will cause Millenco Hardware to emerge as a
market leading innovator in the window and door industry.
"As a key component supplier, it is our intention to continually
add security performance alongside unquestionable value to the products
of our chosen partners. This is because we prefer to let our customers
do the talking, while we do the listening, and subsequently apply customer
opinions to our product development strategies. This philosophy has been
instrumental throughout
the various processes of the Smart Award project, and the ground breaking
results will become apparent in time," concluded Mark Bromley.
Tel: 01902 454 543
Email: sales@millenco.net
Web: www.millenco.net
ARP
'Inundated'
Aluminium Roofline Products (ARP) Group reports that the company's sales
department has been inundated with orders following ARP's debut appearance
at Interbuild 2002.
The company took over 500 serious enquiries during the event in the main
Building Hall at Interbuild, with several of its 5" continuous aluminium
guttering roll-forming machines bought directly off the stand. However,
despite this promising start, even Managing Director Mike Catlin has been
surprised by the level of response post-show:
"We took some very good quality leads at Interbuild this year and
I was really encouraged by the number of people who expressed a serious
interest in us. But I didn't expect that we would be so busy this soon
afterwards - it's phenomenal."
"We felt that the most important goal was for us to re-inforce the
ARP brand and to introduce ourselves to specifiers as the definitive one-stop
shop for all roofline and rainwater products. It's great to be able to
say that not only did we achieve this - seeing all types of professionals
from architects to local authority specifiers and building contractors
- but we also gave our new product sales a real kick-start."
The new ARP price list will be available from 1st July 2002 and includes
all products shown at Interbuild.
A
great deal of interest was shown in the new Iron Man 5" machine for
roll-forming continuous aluminium guttering on-site. Designed both to
make roll-forming of the gutter simple and to provide a superb quality
end product, the new 5" Iron Man machine incorporates a number of
special standard features. A polyurethane drive train means there is no
need to pre-load coil before transporting the machine to its location
- meaning far less material waste - and also eliminates slippage caused
by cold weather and condensation.
Iron Man machines - also available for 4" and 6" guttering -
can either be rented or purchased exclusively through ARP Ltd. In addition,
a combined machine is also available which can be adjusted to produce
either 5" or 6" guttering.
Tel: 0116 289 4400
Email:
sales@arp-ltd.com
www.arp-ltd.com
Re-new
Scratch Removal System saves time and money
Queen Margaret's School was established in Scarborough in 1901 by the
Woodward Foundation and came to Escrick Park in 1949. To celebrate their
centenary the school built a new multipurpose facil-ity to include a chapel,
theatre and areas for meet-ings and events.
The Centenary building as it is known was built by Denne Construction
of Sittingbourne Kent and in April this year sought the help of Re-new
Glass to repair 23 glass panels damaged by surface scratch-es.
The
insulated double glazed units were made up of 10mm and 6mm toughened glass
and delivery of new units was was approximately ten weeks, which would
take the project beyond the handover date. Re-new Glass surveyed the damage
and advised Denne Construction that the scratches could be removed completely
using their unique scratch removal system (SRS). This chemical/mechanical
system was developed in the USA and Re-new are the sole factory approved
agent for the UK and Ireland. It is technically the most advanced system
available today; it's a totally mobile and a clean process unlike other
systems.
Within 3 days of the enquiry Re-new had a team of technicians on site
and completed the work within twelve days.
The SRS process does not adversely affect the integral safety characteristics
of glass and can be applied to all types of float glass other than sculp-tured
and surface treated glass.
It removes all types of surface damage including corrosion, pollution,
graffiti and general wear & tear.
Cost savings of using the Re-new Scratch Removal System when compared
to replacement glass:
Cost per panel using the SRS system. £358.00
Cost per replacement panel. £1,200.00
Savings made on 23 units. £19,366.00
Note: These costs exclude subsistence and VAT.
Tel:01753 696 450
Email: info@re-newglass.co.uk
Deceuninck
fabricator Dempsey Dyer celebrates its 25th anniversary.
A Deceuninck customer since 1984, the company now fabricates 1200 frames
a week from five units at its 65,000 square foot South Kirkby site. The
company aims to double this over the next 18 months.
Dempsey Dyer was first set up in its original format back in 1977 by Bob
Dyer. Hooking up with the late John McDonald who was more sales oriented
than Bob, the pair were soon producing 150 timber windows a week, which
continues to this day.
By 1984 the company introduced a new PVC-U window range, fabricated using
the original Deceuninck 1200 series. Demand was strong as plastic was
still in its relative infancy and there were not that many other fabricators
who could offer the high levels of personal service for which Dempsey
Dyer was fast becoming renowned.
"In the mid 90s Deceuninck advised us to take a look at the commercial
market," said Dempsey Dyer director Mike Brennan. "If you consider
that by the late 90s we were manufacturing up to 1000 frames per week
I can safely say that this was probably one of the best pieces of advice
we have ever taken."
Dempsey Dyer was one of the first companies to achieve BS7413 and BBA
accreditation in the early 90s, and recently achieved BS7950 (Secured
By Design). Its loyal sales team undergoes continuous professional training
and development to help them recognise commercial initiatives for both
Dempsey Dyer and for its customers. The company has regular investment
levels of half a million pounds a year on top of special projects to ensure
fabrication techniques achieve the best in speed and efficiency.
Deceuninck Tel: 01249 816 969
www.deceuninck.com
Support
your local school
Winners
of the annual Michael Rigby Associates (MRA) prize at Katharine Lady Berkeley
School in Gloucestershire were recently presented with the prize to reward
business related skills.
"It works both ways," says Mike Rigby. "It is vital to
your company who you employ. We find that forming links with your local
school is a great way to get hold of talented young people in a cost effective
way. It benefits them and it benefits you. I’d recommend it to anyone."
We’ve employed several KLB students and past students over the last
six years and welcome interest from sixth formers and graduates who are
considering a career in research or marketing."
MRA is a fast growing Management Consultancy specialising in market research
and marketing in the home improvement and building industries. Recent
customers include Castle Cement, Lafarge Plasterboard, Wickes, Magnet
and B & Q. Based in Wotton-under-Edge, the company is currently celebrating
10 years in business and a BS7911 quality certification award.
For further information contact Fiona Lund at MRA on 01453 521621, or
visit www.521621.com.
All the Fives for VEKA Fabricator
VEKA fabricator Ashford Windows Ltd has won the tender for a £5 million, five year project to supply PVC-U doors for 5,000 homes in a refurbishment project for North Norfolk District Council. The properties include houses, bungalows and flats with work due to commence in July 2002.
Ashford
has just completed another 5-year window refurbishment using the VEKA profile
within the same area and the second phase of the project, which uses Ashford's
own composite doors installed in VEKA frames, will fully complement the
previous refurbishment work undertaken.VEKA's Big Rig mobile exhibition unit was used to stage roadshows for the tenants to allow them to view and comment upon the improvements due to be made to their homes.
Rod Cox Capital Works Officer for North Norfolk District Council commented:
"We are very pleased with the quality of the VEKA windows installed in the first phase of the refurbishment work by Ashford who also won the second tender based on their very competitive pricing structure. It is also a bonus that the company are based locally to the work being carried out and, having built up a close working relationship with them during the first phase, we are very pleased to have Ashford and VEKA back on board for the second round of work".
VEKA Tel: 01282 716611